Meaning of "Nothing" by The Cat Empire

The lyrics of "Nothing" delve into the chaotic and relentless nature of modern society. The opening lines, "Yesterday, the sky looked sweet when we dropped a big bomb at our feet," metaphorically represent the destructive actions and decisions made by humanity. The following line, "And sometime soon, we all might zoom to space and continue with another zoo," suggests that despite the destructive tendencies, the human race continues to push forward endlessly.

The song then shifts to discussing the everyday struggles faced by individuals, specifically in relation to work. The line "Work and pace for paper face, spend it wisely and keep it safe" reflects the societal pressure to work relentlessly in pursuit of money and security. The phrase "the human race is a non-stop race with too many trials but no real case" alludes to the idea that humans are constantly busy, facing numerous challenges, but fail to identify a meaningful purpose or direction in their actions.

The lyrics go on to emphasize the importance of taking a break from the rat race. The lines "Something about this second, something about this hour, take away the money then the time becomes the power" imply that time is the true measure of wealth and that money should not be the sole focus. The song suggests that finding moments to enjoy simple pleasures such as swimming, showering, singing, and seeking moments of both brightness and darkness can help bring balance and contentment.

The second verse continues the exploration of the human struggle, using metaphors such as climbing a hill and cycling down a wheel to depict the constant grind of life. The lyrics convey a sense of disillusionment and exhaustion, with lines like "round and round in circles, never got too far" symbolizing the idea of repetitive and unfulfilling pursuits. The mention of running barefoot on hot tar suggests the pain and sacrifice that accompanies constant motion and progress.

The song concludes with a reaffirmation of the importance of embracing "nothing." It urges listeners to recognize the significance of moments of stillness, reflection, and idleness amidst the chaotic nature of society. "Today we're doing nothing at all" becomes a mantra for taking a break from the constant race and finding solace in the simplicity of existence.